Tarlov Cyst with Chronic Lumbago in Nakhonpathom Hospital : A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

     Tarlov cyst (sacral perineural cyst) is nerve root cyst found most commonly in sacral root area near the dorsal root ganglion. The incidence of Tarlov cyst is relatively rare and usually asymptomatic. When the cyst increases in size, sacral or lumbar pain syndrome, sciatica or rarely as cauda equina syndrome may occur and bring the patients to our orthopedic community. The potential surgery related benefit and the specific surgical intervention are still controversial.

     The author describes a case of Tarlov cyst presenting in 24 years old man with chronic lumbago for 3 years. Surgical treatment was performed by sacral laminectomy, fenestration of the cyst, partial cyst wall resection. After three years of follow-up, his symptoms had not recurred.